Behavioral Science Masters Degree Programs with Career Info

Students who are fascinated by psychology and human behavior may want to pursue a master's degree in behavioral science. Find out more about the program, career options, and future educational opportunities.

Essential Information

Master of Science (M.S.) programs in behavioral science are highly interdisciplinary, integrating concepts of psychology, counseling and social work. Research is a critical component of most programs, and students learn to analyze human behavior and development. Graduates of two-year master's degree programs may need to seek certification before they can practice as behavioral science professionals.

Find schools that offer these popular programs

Behavioral Sciences, General

Biopsychology

Clinical Psychology, General

Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics

Cognitive Science

Community Psychology

Comparitive Psychology

Counseling Psychology, General

Environmental Psychology

Experimental Psychology

Family Psychology

Forensic Psychology, General

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Medical Psychology

Personality Psychology

Physiological Psychology

Psychology, General

Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology

Social Psychology

More Programs

Master's Degree in Behavioral Science

In behavioral science master's degree programs, students are trained in experimental and qualitative research methods. They may also have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area of interest, such as adolescence, gerontology or the criminal population. Common course topics include:

Social problems

Developmental psychology

Abnormal psychology

Cultural development

Qualitative and quantitative analysis

Group dynamics

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

After earning a master's degree in behavioral science, students typically work in government, community service agencies, independent practices, or corporations. Common job titles include:

Psychologist

Mental health or substance abuse social worker

Human resources generalist

Market researcher

Criminologist

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for psychologists was $72,580 as of May 2015, and employment was expected to grow 19 percent between 2014 and 2024, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. For mental health and substance abuse social workers, the median annual wage was $42,170 in 2015. For clinical, counseling, and school psychologists, it was $70,580.

Continuing Education Information

State licensure may be required for some careers that graduates commonly pursue. After finishing a master's degree, students may also enroll in Ph.D. programs in behavioral science or a related field, such as psychology.

In conclusion, a master's degree in behavioral science provides students with the training they need for success in a wide range of psychology-related careers.